PN 6120 
.C5 P73 
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<®uest for H>anta Claus 


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FRANK ATKINSON 



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Copyright 1923 


ARTHUR H. STROUSE PUBLISHING CO. 

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-pH &12.0 

.C5A73 

3ft)E <©ues;t for H>anta Claug 

A Christmas Play in 
Four Acts and a Prologue 
Depicting Familiar Scenes On Christmas Eve 
In Merry England 


Prologue 

Act I A Street in Sandbach 
Act II Brereton Hall 
Act III Room in Santa Claus House 
Act IV Santa Claus Workshop 


CAST OF CHARACTERS 

Rosalind, The Original 2 in 1 
Captain of the Congo S. S. 

First Mate of the Congo S. S. 

Maggie i ^ p race 0 f street urchins 
Crispin J 

Mr. S. Claus, Toymaker—by special appointment to Her Majesty, 
the Queen 

Mrs. S. Claus, Frugal housewife 
J. D. Rocky Fellow, Lamplighter 
Wiiliam Knight Hawk, Watchman 

Harold 1 Two souls with but a single thought 
Ethel J 

Matthew Ringling, Town Crier 

Mr. Allcock, 1 L overg 0 f darkness rather than light 
Mr. Clews J 

M’lle Beatysax Ophonia 

M’i.le Viola Fiddel Strings 

M’lle Skylark Linnette Nightengal 

Monsieur Wood Wynde 

M’ile Fluffy 

M’lle Tabitiia, Playful as a Kitten 
Santa Claus, Fountain of Eternal Youth 
Lucifer Match, King of Imps 
Citizens, Waits, Retinue of Imps 

1 




Note: Before the curtain rises upon Act 1, as soon as the 
company has assembled, the Superintendent ostensibly begins a 
short address of welcome. While thus engaged “Beggar Maid” 
enters at the rear of the room and immediately starts in with her 
lines and by the time the First Mate, who up until that point has 
been serving as an Usher, has made reply the whole audience is 
conscious of the conversation taking place, and the dialogue goes 
on uninterrupted until the end. 

The transformation accomplished by the erstwhile Beggar 
Maid, but now a Fairy Princess, is the sudden illumination of the 
evergreen trees flanking both sides of the stage by colored electric 
lights, and is very effective. 


PROLOGUE 


Beggar Maid: Please, sir, and wot’s a’goin’ on ’ere, is it the 
movies or somethin’? 

(Usher) First Mate: No, this is a Christmas Party for the boys 
and girls of the. Sunday School. 

Beggar Maid: Oh, I’m sorry—not for them, but for myself—I 
thought, if it was a movie you might let me in for this 
ha’penny—it’s all the money I’ve got—But this is no place 
for me—nobody wants a beggar around when they’re ’avin’ 
parties. 

(Beggar Maid turns to leave, but before doing so the 
usher takes her by the hand.) 

(Usher) First Mate: No, don’t go away—I assure you we shall 
be glad to have you as our guest—Come with me. 

Beggar Maid: No, thank ’ee, I can’t come here wi’ on’y these 
rags. 

(As she speaks she is struggling to get away.) 

(Supt.) Captain (Addressing the Usher) : What is it, Mr.-? 

(Usher) First Mate: We have with us, Mr. Superintendent, an 
unexpected guest—a stranger in town, who came here 
thinking it was a movie show—I’ve been telling our young 
friend that she will be welcome—but she is reluctant to ac¬ 
cept my invitation. 

2 

©CI.D 66563 

A/VO 


M 12*24 




(Supt.) Captain: Yon are quite right, Mr. -, we are in¬ 

deed happy to have anyone come and share our joy—let 
me assure you, dear, you are welcome—come right along, 
see here we have a vacant chair where you will be able to 
see the players, and, I dare say, you will find them quite 
as fine as any you would see at the movies. 

(By this time, with reluctant steps, led by the (Usher) 
First Mate, the Beggar ,Maid has come to the front of 
the room and the center of the stage.) 

(But instead of taking the proffered seat, turning to the 
(Superintendent) Captain, and rising to her full stat¬ 
ure, she speaks.) 

Beggar Maid: Mr. Superintendent, I am much pleased to find 
here the Spirit of the Master, and to vouchsafe to you and 
to all of these dear people gathered here, a royal, happy 
good time in all your merrymaking, and in the homage I 
trust each and all are now bringing in honor of the infant 
Christ, who, two thousand years ago was born in a lowly 
stable amid the hills of Bethlehem, in old Judea. No less 
true is it in our day than it was of old that oftentimes we 
entertain angels unaware. Doubtless, you think I am 
only a beggar, and for that I am very thankful, for thus it 
is possible for me to reAvard the kindly spirit you have 
shoAvn to those less fortunate than yourselves. But you 
see I am not a beggar. 

(Here the Beggar Maid drops off her outer garment.) 
but a fairy princess, Avhose magic Avand can make beauty 
spring up everyAvhere. 

(Turning to the right hand she AvaA r es her Avand over 
the trees, which instantly flash into beauty, (colored 
lights), and then to the left hand—and, Avhile the peo¬ 
ple are rejoicing over the illumination, she rapidly runs 
doAvn the center aisle to rear of room, and makes her 
escape, stopping only once to Avish them 

“A Merry Christmas.”) 


End of Prologue 
3 



ACT I. 

Street in Sandbach 

Note: When the curtain rises Santa Claus is busy arrang¬ 
ing toys in shop window, lighting candles and doing such other 
stage work as will enliven the scene. 

No lines are spoken until Crispin and Maggie come upon the 
scene, the idea being to portray the various types of folk one 
would expect to find upon the street—the types can be many or 
few, fishmongers, washwomen, laborers, children, musicians, 
teamsters returning from work, street arabs, etc. Some of these 
enter the shop and buy, others, like Crispin and Maggie, must be 
content with looking in. These characters should enter alter¬ 
nately from right and left stage. 

(Enter Crispin) Note: Boy enters right stage. 

(Enter Maggie) After one-half minute girl follows, en¬ 
ters left stage. They both walk slowW up stage to win¬ 
dow of the toy shop, keeping as far apart as is possible. 
Both are interested only in the window display, and for 
some time neither of them speak.) 

Maggie : Hello! 

Crispin: (After pause) ? lo! 

(Another silence) 

Maggie: D’jer live ’ere? 

Crispin : Naw. 

Maggie: Neither do I. (Pause). Wot’s yer name? 

Crispin: Her gang calls me Cris., but in ’igh sasiety dey calls 
me Crispin. 

(After pause) 

Wot’s yore name? 

Maggie: W’en I call on the queen my name is Maggie, but the 
folk in our alley call me Mag. 

Crispin: Wot yer hidin’ under yer apron? 

Maggie: A apple. 

Crispin: We’re d’jer swipe it? 

Maggie : I didn’t swipe it, smarty, an old guv’ner gave it to me 
for running an errand for ’im. 

Crispin: Is that all ’e guv yer? 

Maggie : Isn’t that enough—wot yer want a guy to guv yer — a 
sixpence fer doin’ nuthin’—an’ besides, he wor a nice ol’ 
gentleman. 

Crispin: How d’jer know—was ’e a friend of yer feyther? 
Maggie: Naw, smarty, ’e was no friend of my fambly, I never 
seen ’im before tonight—but I know ’e is a nice man—he 
said such nice things to me. 


4 


Crispin: Wot d’jer mean by nice things— I never seed any on 
’em knockin’ around our alley. 

Maggie: Well—w’en I got back to ’im he smiled and said, 
“Thank yer, mi dear, and ’eres a apple fer yer, and I wish 
yer a Merry Christmas.” 

Crispin: (H)excuse me, Mag, fer takin’ liberties with yer name 
on such a short acquaintance, but I ’ave to laff w’en I ’ear 
of these rich guys wishin’ the likes of us a ’appy Christ¬ 
mas, and doin’ nuthin’ to ’elp make their wish come true. 
—Now if yer kind benefactor ’ad said, “Here’s a ten- 
pound note—go and get yerself some warm clothes to cover 
yer ’arf-naked body, and some food to fill yer empty stom¬ 
ach, and get fer yerself one o’ them golden-’aired dollys 
wot shut their eyes, and say, ‘Mamma’ when yer punch ’em 
in their breadbasket,” I could feel he were sincere in his 
good wishes for yer. 

Maggie : Now, Cris, yer mustn’t run on like that, it isn’t fair— 
some of these rich folk never had the chances you and me 
’ave ’ad—and so I say, clothes, or no clothes, food, or no 
food, blue-eyed sleepin’, squawkin’ dollies, or no dollies, 
I’m glad fer the progress some on ’em ’ave made. Perhaps 
some day they will learn that true Christmas ’appiness 
begins in toell wishing and ends in well doing. Until then 
we must be content in lookin’ at the things which belong 
to others, just as we ’ave been doin’ before this winder fer 
the last ’arf ’our. 

(At this point the clock in the steeple strikes five.) 

Crispin : Gee, I must be going. 

Maggie: So must I, Cris—but before we part I want to wish 
yer a Merry Christmas. 

(Both start to walk away in opposite directions, but be¬ 
fore leaving the stage Maggie stops.) y 

Maggie : Say, Cris, just a minute—’ave yer a jack knife in yer 
pocket? 

Cris searches his pockets—fishes out a rather dilap¬ 
idated knife—opens it, and hands it to Maggie, who 
cuts apple in half—returns knife to Cris.) 

Maggie: And ter make my wish come true, Cris—’er’s the ’alf 
of my apple. 

(Both leave the stage, joyfully eating the apple and 
grinning from ear to ear.) 

(Exit Maggie, Bight.) 

(Exit Crispin, Left.) 

(Lamplighter. Enter right, lights street lamp and 
exit left.) 


5 


(Washerwoman. Enter left, carrying basket of wash.) 
(Fishmonger. Enter right—Fresh herrin’, all alive, all 
alive, all alive. Herrin’, fresh herrin’, twelve fer a shil¬ 
lin’. Note: As she passes the shop of Santa Clans, Mrs. 
Claus opens shop door.) 

Mrs Claus: Are you sure yer herrin’ are fresh? 

Fishmonger: Mi lady, so ’elp me, they were swimmin’ in the 
sea this very morning’. 

Mrs. Claus: Wot are yer askin’ fer ’em? 

Fishmonger: O’ny a shillin’ a dozen, lady. 

Mrs. Claus: That’s wot I call dear for herrin’. Make it nine- 
pence and I’ll take a dozen. 

Fishmonger: No, ma’am, not if I never sell ’em (walks away.) 
Fresh herrin’, herrin’, herrin’, herrin’, all alive, all alive, 
(suddenly turns again.) Well, missus, seeing as I on’y 
have a few left, ’ere yer are, tak ’em at yer own price. 
Counts out herring and exit. 

(At this point Santa Claus locks up his shop for the 
night, puts up shutters in front of windows and returns 
into shop.) 

Musician: Enter right, carrying bass viol. 

(Night Watchman: Enter left, eight o’clock and all’s 
well. Exit right. Note by this time the village streets 
are nearly deserted.) 

(Enter Ethel. Enter Harold. Immediately following 
exit of Watchman after his 8 o’clock round, Harold and 
Ethel enter from left stage—Harold is leading Ethel by 
the hand. They look around from one side of the street 
to the other, which at this time is deserted.) 

Ethel: I don’t believe Santa lives here. 

Harold: Neither do I—I expect he lives in a big house, like 
the Earl of Crewe. 

Ethel : I am beginning to think we shall not find Santa at all. 

Harold : Oh, yes, sis, we will find him—don’t get discouraged. 

Ethel : But you are forgetting it is nearly time for him to start 
out on his long journey. 

Harold: I have not forgotten that, but I am thinking that it 
takes a big factory to hold all the toys Santa has made 
since last year. 

Ethel : Yes, but I don’t see any big factory here, do you ? 

Harold: Look! Look! Ethel, I believe we have found it— 
see that sign over the shop window, it says S. CLAUS, 
TOYMAKER. 


6 


Ethel: Yes, and the shutters are up—that’s because Santa 
doesn’t want anyone to see him at work. 

Harold : Let us go and knock on the door and see if Santa will 
answer. 

Ethel : No, lama little bit afraid. You go. 

(While the children are hesitating about what ought to 
be done, Mr. S. Claus leaves the place and starts to 
walk away rapidly. Just then, the children turn and 
catch sight of him.) 

Harold : See, Ethel, there he goes—Come, let us follow him. 

(Both children leave the stage, shouting, “Santa, Santa, 
wait a minute, please, Santa, wait.”) 

Exit Harold and Ethel. 

(Enter Towncrier from right stage.) 

(First time off stage—Second time on stage—Crier 
takes center stage, rings bell vigorously, takes position 
with bell reposing in left arm, with right hand clutch¬ 
ing tongue of bell.) 

Town Crier : Lost, strayed or stolen, a ten-year-old boy a,nd his 
young sister—the children of our fellow townsman, Mr. 
Alphonso Cruickshank, Ironmonger and Tinker, of Number 
12, High Street, Sandbach. When last seen, the children 
were walking in the direction of Congleton Road, but be¬ 
yond this their whereabouts are unknown. A reward of 
50 guineas in gold will be paid to any person, or persons, 
who, finding the children, shall safely return them to their 
bereaved parents. 

(Exit Crier.) 

(Watchman in distance is heard calling, “Nine o’clock 
and all’s well.” The village clock strikes the hour and 
the chimes sweetly play. 

(Enter Clews, right, who saunters across stage and re¬ 
turns, taking position under lamp, when chimes are 
ended.) 

(Enter Allcock, left, carrying bundle.) 

Clews: Good evenin’, mate, w’ere ’as thi bin, I’ve been waitin’ 
on thi fur the last ’our. 

Allcock: I dunna wonder at thi askin’ w T ’ere I’ve been. This’ll 
be the first toime in the last twel’ yer that I’ve missed 
bein’ at the Black Bear on Christmas eve. But that is ner 
the on’y thing I’ve missed, so I must ’asten ’ome and get 
a bite o’ summat to eat. 

Clews: Hoes ta mean to tell me thi ’as,n’t ’ad thi supper yet? 

7 


Allcock: I conna speak no plainer than w’at I sed a minit 
ago. 

Ciews: But w’at kept thi away from ’ome so long—Surely not 
the love of thi work? 

Allcock : No, ’ardly that, but thi knows ’ow it is hup at the ’all 
—an’ ’ow they fixes hup everythin’ fur the big party they’re 
’avin come ter-morrer—I dunno wat they would a dun if 
I’d a quit on ’em. 

Clews: I ’no wat thi means, mate, I’ve thought miself wot a 
’elpless lot some folk are. 

Allcock : Aye, all I ’eard ter-day was, “Willyum, ’ave yer killed 
an’ dressed the sucking pigs—Willyum, ’ave yer finished 
plucking the geese—Willyum, will yer be sure there are 
yule logs on ’and fer the party—Willyum, go down to the 
butchers and bring the roast of beef I ordered—William, 
this, and Willyum that,” until I’m sick and tired o’ mi 
own name. 

But they’re not a bad lot at that for the mester gave me a 
Christmas box o’ ten shilling’ an’ I ’ave in this bundle 
some clothes wot belonged to the little gel w’at died a 
year ago come Michaelmas, an’ a bran new dress w’ich the 
missus sent to mi owd woman. 

Clews : Mite it be yer ’ad a goose in yer bundle fer yer Christ¬ 
mas dinner, as well as the fine feathers fer the missus ? 

Allcock : No, Jack, but you ’no and I ’no w’ere there is as fine 
a dinner waitin’ fer them as knows, as ever come out o’ a 
pot — and yer ’ave ’eard tell as ’ow the first thing to be 
dun in makin’ rabbit pie is to first catch the rabbit. 

Clews: I understand, Willyum—Make it ten by the clock—at 
the old place back of the ’all. 

Allcock: So long, mate. 

Clews : So long. 

(Exit Poachers) 

Enter Carolers. 

1. What Child is This? 

2. Good King Wenceslas. 

3. Christians Awake, Salute the Happy Morn. 

(Exit Carolers.) 

Curtain 

Note : It is very effective when the carolers can convenient¬ 
ly sing for the first time off stage, as if in the distance. The car¬ 
olers should be appropriately dressed for cold weather, carry 

lanterns and the stage should be darkened. 


8 


ACT II. 


Note: Harold and Ethel in their pursuit of Santa Claus, 
the Village Toymaker and Shop Keeper, find themselves far from 
home and in the grounds immediately surrounding Brereton 
Hall. The stage setting should consist of a hedge row built up 
of small evergreen trees at the rear of the stage and on both 
ends, with a wooden stile set in the hedge on right stage. Ever- 
green branches are strewn around, left there by the hedger, who 
had been trimming the hedges about the grounds. 

The children enter from left and the Poachers, for such are 
Clews and Allcock, who later appear, enter from the right, climb 
over the stile and soon get busy at the task which brought them 
there, namely, the bagging of a brace of rabbits for their Christ¬ 
mas dinner. 

(As the curtain rises, Harold and Ethel are wearily 
dragging themselves across stage—when center is 
reached, Ethel stops, a,nd in tears she refuses to go any 
further.) 

Ethel (tearfully) : Harold, I just can’t go another step, I want 
to go home to mamma. 

Harold: Dont’ cry, Sis, you know I believe we’re almost 

there—if you only think of the fun we will have when we 
find Santa, you will forget all about being tired. 

Ethel: I know it will be lots of fun to see Santa, and, if we 
ever do find him, I’m going to ask him to show me all his 
wonderful toys. But I think I’d rather wait until next 
year. I want mamma. 

(No longer able to restrain herself, she burst out cry¬ 
ing, much to the undoing of Harold.) 

Harold: See here, Sis, please don’t cry. When we get home 
I’ll give you my new cricket bat and ball. Perhaps if we 
sit down for a little while we will get rested. I’ll just 
gather a few of these branches—that will be better than 
sitting on the cold ground. 

(Harold arranges the branches as a little bed down 
stage, and places Ethel upon it.) 

Ethel : How lonely it is here at night. Can you see any houses 
near? 


9 


Harold: (Climbing up on stile so as to look over the hedge) : 

Yes, I see a big house not far away. I’m sure that must 
be where Santa is. Let us rest here awhile. 

(Harold seats himself beside Ethel—puts his arms 
around her, draws her near to him.) 

And then we will surely find Santa. 

(After pause) 

I’m jolly glad the moon is shining, aren’t you, Ethel? 

(Ethel does not answer, for she has fallen asleep. Gent¬ 
ly Harold lays her down upon the boughs and with a 
yawn says-) 

I think I’ll just rest awhile myself. 

(And in a minute he, too, is fast asleep.) 

(Soon after the children fall asleep, two Poachers ar¬ 
rive on the scene, and, entirely oblivious to the fact that 
there are human beings near them, they proceed to the 
work of the evening, just as the bell in the village clock 
strikes the hour of ten. All through the work of the 
Poachers the children remain fast asleep.) 

(Just as the Poachers make ready to leave, the children 
are discovered.) 

Clews : Well, I’ll be blowed, if ’ere aint the babes in the wood. 

Allcock (rushing to cover) : Wo’t, yer don’t mean the Game- 
keeper and his gang? W’y don’t yer duck? 

Clews: (laughing heartily): ’Oo said onythin’ about game- 
keepers. Come an’ Ink fer thy sel’—’ere are two as fine 
babbys as yer hever sot h’eyes on. 

Allcock (drawing near to sleeping children) : Blime me, if they 
haint. I wonder wot they’re doin’ ’ere at this time o’ 
noight ? 

Clews : I conna tell thi that, mon, w’y doesn’t thi ask ’em thi 
sel’? 

Allcock (gently shaking Harold) : Wake li’up, little mon, does 
ta want to catch thi death o’ cold lying out ’ere this cold 
night—and what about the little gel, wake ’er h’up tew. 
(After some time and much rubbing of eyes, the children 
awaken.) 

Harold : Please, Mr., can you tell us who lives in yonder house 
—Sis and I hope that is where Santa lives. If so, we must 
be going, or else Santa will have left. 


10 



Ethel: Yes, you know he will go just as soon as the clock 
strikes twelve, and we want to see his wonderful toys be¬ 
fore he leaves. 

Clews : ’Earken to that, will yer, these kids want to see Santa 
Claus—Ha! Ha! Ha! Say, Kiddie, there haint no Santa. 

Harold : You are mistaken, sir, for sis and I saw him tonight, 
with our own eyes, but he walked so fast we couldn’t catch 
up to him. 

Allcock : An’ w’ere might it be that yer saAV the idol of yer 
dreams ? 

Harold : We saw him come from his shop in the square near the 
Black Bear. 

Clews (aside) : Say, mate, it’s the owd codjer, S. Claus, the 
kiddies are thinkin’ on. Wot der yer say if we giv ’em a 
lift. It’s not much the likes of uz can do to make anny 
body ’appy, but ’eres a little job we con do as well as anny 
on ’em. 

Allcock : Yer rite, mate. 

(Turning to children) 

Come along, we’ll ’ave yer in front of ’is r’yal ’ighness in 
less nor a jiffey. 

(Exit Poachers with the now happy children upon 
their shoulders, and their Christmas dinner safely 
bagged.) 

(Enter King of the Imps—At blast of whistle the imps 
spring up behind the hedge.) 

Imps (all) : What ho, your majesty! 

Lucifer Match : Assemble ye here for a council of Avar. 

Imps (all) : Your Majesty’s commands shall be obeyed. 

(Imps gather doAvn stage and seat themselves Indian 
fashion in a circle—the King remains standing.) 

Lucifer Match (addressing Imps) : My mind is ill at ease — - 
Go Avliere I Avill, I fail not to observe Iioav men, in city, 
toAvn, and hamlet throughout the land, in fealty to Him 
they call the Christ, are moved to deeds of mercy and of 
loA r e. 

Imp No. 1: If such be true, Your Majesty, it bodes ill of thee 
and thy kindgdom of darkness. 


11 


Lucifer Match: Yea, such is true, and not content with that, 
they move from street to street, and house to house, and, 
like the angels on Bethlehem hills, two thousand years ago, 
they proclaim the Messiah’s birth, and sing of Peace and 
Goodwill to Men. Thus do they assail and threaten my 
right to reign and rule. 

Imp No. 1: It must not be, Your Majesty. 

Lucifer Match: It shall not be—some way must be found to 
stop these inroads upon my kingdom and domain—but 
what to do, and how, and when, I know not. 

Imp No. 1: Has not Your Majesty thought of persecution? 

Lucifer Match : Persecution, in that ye counsel without knowl¬ 
edge. To stop this tide of Christmas cheer by persecution 
is as foolish as to attempt to dam a river at its mouth. 

Imp No. 1: Has not Your Majesty discovered any arch con¬ 
spirator in this plot? 

Lucifer Match : Aye, that I have and by cunning ways have I 
sought to turn him from his course, but neither threat, 
money, or persuasion have any effect’ upon him to check the 
rising of good will, which, like water gushing from a foun¬ 
tain, overflows and fills the hearts of the children of men 
everywhere with his own genial spirit and warm friendli¬ 
ness. 

Imp No. 1: Where does he abide, Your Majesty? 

Lucifer Match : He lives hard by an Inn, the Black Bear, where 
incessantly he toils throughout the year in fashioning toys 
and other gifts, which he lavishly bestows upon the people 
in his journey around the world on Christmas night—but 
I fear his real abode is in the hearts of men, and particu¬ 
larly in the hearts of little children. 

Imp No. 1 (rising and bowing) : Pardon me, Sire for venturing 
to suggest that thou commission us to wreak destruction 
upon the toys, or otherwise prevent this arch enemy of 
thine from carrying out his plan. 

Lucifer Match : Thou speakest words of Avisdom, and it is my 
will that thou perform in my name, and in behalf of my 
kingdom this work of destruction. Here, then, is thy com¬ 
mission—Look well to the task. 

(King hands document to Imp No. 1, who reads it aloud 
to the other Imps.) 


12 


“Whereas, one Santa Claus, by cunning devices and by his un¬ 
failing good humor and goodwill, is stealing the hearts and 
fealty of my hitherto loyal subjects—now, therefore, do I, 
Lucifer Match, declare that from this hour I will give him 
no peace or rest— 

And, in order that his work may be brought to nought, I 
do commission my loyal band of Imps to sally forth and 
utterly destroy not only this arch conspirator, but all his 
handiwork—To him who shall accomplish the downfall of 
this personification of Christmas Peace and Good Will, I 
give the half of my kingdom, and the hand of my daugh¬ 
ter in marriage. 

(Signed) Lucifer Match, 

King of the Imps.” 

(After reading of commission, exit Lucifer Match. Then 
Imps disappear behind the hedge.) 

End of Act II. Curtain. 


large 

RED 

SEAL 


13 


ACT III. 


Scene — Koom in Santa Claus’ House 

(When the curtain rises, Santa is doing some simple task 
around the room with his back to the audience — then, turning 
around as the clock strikes eleven, he speaks — ) 

Santa : Ah, the time is drawing ,nigh when I must sally forth — 
An hour yet remains, and so I’ll improve it by taking a lit¬ 
tle nap — How good it is after the day’s toil is ended to 
sweetly rest — perchance to dream of the fruit of one’s 
labor. Here’s a cushion for my head, and what matters if 
my feet hang o’er the end like culprits from the gallows. 
’Tis good— And now to sleep - 

(Santa sinks into deep slumber.) 

(Enter Imps stealthily— 3 from right, and 3 from left — 
They look around the room and presently discover Santa 
They look first toward Santa’s picture on the wall and 
then at Santa.) 

Imp 5: This is the place. 

Tmp 2 (pointing to Santa) : And there’s the man. 

Imp 3: Methinks already half of my lord’s kingdom is mine. 
Imp 4: Strike then the blow. 

Tmp 3 (approaches Santa, then returns) : My heart fails me — 
Strike thou the blow. 

Imp 5 (approaches Santa, then returns) : Only a traitor could 
strike so kindly a face as his. 

Imp 1: Cowards, make way — I’ll lay him low. 

(Advances to Santa with hand uplifted as if to strike.) 
His must be a charmed life—I can no ill do unto him. 
(Turning to Imps) 

Is there no one willing to obey our king? 

Imps (all) : No, not one — Would that our king were Santa— 
and here and now we pledge to him our allegiance. 

(Each approaches Santa in turn making a profound 
bow, and then leaves the room — excepting Imp 1.) 

14 



Santa Claus’ Room 

Imp 1: I know what power is this which makes me traitor to 
my king—Would I could warn him of his danger. 

(Walks to and fro in deep thought.) 

This will I do—With my dagger will I pinion to yon wall 
this commission of my king, so shall he learn of the king’s 
purpose to do him harm. 

(Walks to back of stage—takes dagger from belt, and 
thrusts it through the Royal Commission to the wall.) 
(Then, after making bow to Santa, he retires off stage.) 
(Exit Imp No. 1. After exit of Imp No. 1, Santa 
awakens, stretches, and after rising makes discovery of 
the Imp’s Commission, which he removes from the wall, 
examines dagger, reads commissiou, laughs heartily, and 
to show his disdain tears commission to bits.) 

(A loud knock upon the door announces the arrival of 
Harold and Ethel whom the poachers have safely land* 
ed at the home of Santa Claus. Santa goes to door, left 
stage, and there finds the two children whom he invites 
to enter.) 

Santa: Well! Well! Well! In all my life I have never before 
had the pleasure of a visit in my home from two such in¬ 
teresting children. But what brought you here at this 
time of night? 

Harold : We came on the shoulders of two of the nicest men we 
ever met, didn’t we, Ethel? 

Ethel: Yes, and I am afraid we should never have found you, 
Santa, if they hadnt’ helped us. 

Santa: Nov/ that you have found me what is it you want? 

Harold: Sis wants awfully to see your wonderful toys, but I 
believe I’d like a nice soft bed to sleep in (Yawns) I’m 
so tired. 

Ethel : You mustn’t mind what Harold says, Santa; of course, 
we both want to see the toys, even though we are tired. 
(Ethel yawns.) You see, Santa, we have been searching 
everywhere for you. 

Santa: This is perplexing, but I think I am beginning to un¬ 
derstand. Let us go into the next room. Mrs. Santa will 
know what to do for tired and hungry children, and then 
I will show you a few of my animated toys which I assure 
you is a rare privilege. Come along. 

(Santa takes them by the hand.) 

(Exit right.) 

Curtain. 

15 


ACT IV. 


Santa’s Workshop 

When the curtain rises, the toys are standing rigidly at back 
of stage. Santa enters with children, whom he seats back to 
audience at front and center of stage. Santa then proceeds to 
exhibit the toys, winding them up, marching them to front stage, 
the,n to position at front of stage right and left. . . 

M’lle Beatysax Ophonia, Saxophone Solo 

M’lle Viola Fiddel Strings, Violin Solo 

M’lle Skylark Linnette Nightengale, Vocal Solo 

Monsieur Wood Wynde, Flute Solo 

M’lle Tabitha, Playful as a Kitten, who makes merriment 
whenever the dolls are not actually doing their stunt. 

M’lle Fluffy, a dancing doll 

No dialogue need be prepared for Santa, as it is better to let 
Santa make his own fun in his own way. After the last number 
the carolers and other members of the cast slip quietly upon the 
stage and end the play by singing one verse of “O Come, All Ye 
Faithful.” 


Curtain. 


Ideas for Children’s Parties 



By Arthur H. Strouse 
Just What You Have Been Looking For 

Complete plans for each month of the year with sug¬ 
gestions for refreshments and simple homemade decora¬ 
tions. Will provide a thoroughly enjoyable series of enter¬ 
tainments at least expense. All outlines in this book 
have been the outgrowth of many original parties by the 
author and others. An acceptable gift for Teacher or 
parent. 

Neatly bound in Art Craft Cover. 

Price per copy, limp cover.$0.60 


Stunts for In and Out-of-Doors 

By Arthur Howard Strouse 
For Young and Old 

140 pages of “Mixer,” Active, Quiet, Magic, Stunts, 

Contests, School-room and play-ground games, Athletic 
Feats, Parties for entertaining large or small groups in 
home, church or school, and many suggestions for every 
occasion in the year. Meets recreational requirements 
for young and old. 

Price per copy, Heavy Bristol Cover.$0.60 



Outdoor Stunts 

By Arthur H. Strouse 

The contents of this book were inspired by many out¬ 
ings with boys and girls. The object in producing it was 
to supply the increasing demand for good recreational 
plans. Wouldn’t you like to give an out-door party where 
“Wieners” could be roasted over the bon-fire, and later 
engage in games that bring the glow to your cheeks and a 
happy light in your eyes? 

There are war games, games of skill, Indian and 
African games; Campfire and Community Suggestions and 
real “Stunts” that boys and girls love to play. Size 
6x9 inches. 

Price per copy.$0.50 


OUTDOOR 

STUNTS 


FOR YOUNG AND OLD 


tubluMby 

ARTHUR H. STROUSE PUBLISHING CO. 
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 


17 























The Palace of Dreams 

By Katherine J. Postle 

An Entire Christmas Eve Entertainment 

A religious play that beautifully illustrates the Christmas 
story. Will hold the intense interest of all from beginning 
to end. Includes tableau, dialog and music. The setting 
may be simple or elaborate as desired. Children delight in 
appearing in costume. Once given will long be remembered. 
Thirty or more characters. 

Price per copy. .$0.25 

The Children’s Christmas Dream 

By Mary E. Telford 

A Christmas play in one act, easily staged, teaching the 
spirit of giving. Has a splendid missionary climax. Sixteen 
characters (children). The scene is laid out in Grand¬ 
father’s house where the children are spending their Christ¬ 
mas. While waiting for Santa, the children fall asleep. A 
fairy summons children from foreign lands who make their 
appeal to learn more of the Christ Child. 

Price per copy.... $0.25 


Behold, 1 Bring You Good Tidings 

By F. Lester Price 
and 

A Christmas Carol 

By W. A. Bartlett 

A Special Christmas Folder for the Children’s Service. 
Contains two songs of Exceptional Merit. 

Price per copy 10 cents, per dozen.$1.00 


Christmas Budget of Recitations and Plans 

By Arthur H. Strouse 

140 pages of new suggestions for the Christmas program, home or schoo' 
Many selections of recognized merit. 140 pages. 

Price per copy, paper cover 


JMjolb, 3 Sring ©ou 
<@oob ftfoings 



The Children’s 
Christmas Dream 

By Mary E. Telford 
□ 

Price 25 Cents 
Arthur H. Strouse Publishing 




l# 1 ' Ready for distribution September 1, 1923 

18 


$0.75 











































The Awakening 
of Mr. Smith 

A Missionary Play 
By 

BERTHA CLEMANS 

□ 

Price 25 Cents 


The Awakening of Mr. Smith 

A Missionary Play 

By Bertha J. Clemans 

Mr. Wealthy Smith is converted to believing in missions 
and contributes liberally—through a dream—portrayed in 
view of the audience. Natives of different countries ap¬ 
pearing and presenting their great needs. A very impres¬ 
sive play in three acts easily staged, 6 or more characters. 

Price per copy...$0.25 


The Soul of a Flower 

By Katherine J. Postle 
A New Idea for Children’s Day 

A delightful plan of Dialog and Song in which the children 
personify flowers and trees in the world of “Makebelieve." 
Pronounced most unique and instructive. Children’s Day 
was once called “Flower Day’’ and the custom was to pre¬ 
sent the children with flowers or potted plants. Why not 
revive this worthy custom? Combine it with the Soul of a 
Flower and have a service that will be a delight to all. 
Twenty or more characters. 

Price per copy.$0.50 




Alice Forber, Missionary 


By Gertrude Martin Strawick 


A dramatic Chinese play written by Miss 
Strawick while Missionary in China. The 
plot is true to life and intensely interesting. 

The setting may be made simple or elaborate 
as desired. In 3 acts, 30 characters. Time, 
2 hours. 


Price per copy. 


$0.50 


19 











































































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H 


LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 


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